Three cheers for a state budget that gets natural resources right

Michigan enjoys great natural resources. Managed well, they can enhance life in the state for every resident. (Photo by Flickr user Juan N Only; used under Creative Commons license)

Who thought watching budgets could be exciting? I’ve been watching the roll-out of Gov.Rick Snyder’s new budget with particular interest in what it has to say about natural resources. No doubt there will be special interests who find reasons to criticize the governor’s proposed investments in natural resources, and I expect I will get pushback from both the left and right for this column – however, when a political leader gets it mostly right, I think we need to say so.

As Michiganders, our economy and quality of life are dependent on this state’s beautiful lands and waters. We have the natural assets to recruit and grow businesses based on quality of life we offer their employees and the accompanying ability to attract and retain talent. As we watch parts of the country face long-term drought and water shortages, the rest of the country, and the world, may look to Michigan more and more for sustainable agricultural production, four-season tourism, and access to abundant, high-quality water.

But we will only have those assets to offer if we take care of them. It is high time we had a proposed budget that recognizes the importance of protecting and investing in our natural resources – and outlines a way of doing it that isn’t about pet projects, but rather, anticipating the future and the challenges and opportunities the future will bring.

If my read of it is right, this proposed budget and its investments in natural resources is all about water – water quality, water use, protection and risk mitigation. It is not about trying to turn back the clock to recover long ago budgets, bureaucracy and administrative resources for past programs. It is proposing investments in the science, programs and public/private partnerships needed to understand sustainable use and protection of our resources; to optimize their use while assuring that these resources will still be there, healthy and productive, for future generations.

For business, it means regulating water not to say “no,” but rather to have the science and tools to know when and how to say yes, and assure long-term water quality and watershed health. For farmers, the new Farm Bill and investments like those in this budget are beginning to recognize that we need to incentivize and target practices that reflect how watersheds function and how land management and groundwater use affects the long-term health of the very systems we depend on.

Again, it doesn’t have to be about ‘“no.” Rather, Michigan can emerge as a leader in developing the science, tools and technology of natural-resource use, and be looked to as a model for balancing use with protection. From Detroit, to our state-owned 4.1 million acres of certified sustainable forests, to the increasing demand for groundwater use – let’s show the world how to do it right, how to plan for a sustainable, healthy, beautiful future.

I know everyone has heard the saying “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” – and it couldn’t be more true than with invasive species. When we face such profound risks as we do to our waters, recreation, business, and Great Lakes from invasive species, increased investment is vital.

So much is at risk from many more species than just Asian carp. Scientists are able to name 10 more species with equally destructive capabilities that are poised to enter the Great Lakes, and those are just the ones we know about – it doesn’t account for the work needed to address accidental introductions and pathways through commercial trade, etc.

Prevention will cost far less than the impact if these species become established in Michigan and the governor’s proposal to invest in this issue couldn’t be more timely. And although Michigan acting alone will not be enough to address invasive species, the governor and his team are trying to lead by example. Once we pass this budget, our next challenge will be to assure that the rest of the Great Lakes states and Canadian provinces are giving this issue equal attention and investment.

It shouldn’t go without mention that there are many other valuable components to the proposed budget, including recycling, a long-overdue fisheries research vessel for Lake Huron, and trails that will enhance this beautiful state.

So what can we do? If you agree with the need for this increased investment in the Governor’s budget for natural resources, you need to let it be known. Take time to look at the details, not to get your pet project in there, rather to see if it speaks to you in the same way about looking forward at a world where water is center stage.

Investing in nature, the source of everything we hold dear and depend on, is not only wise, it is essential. Michigan’s water, beauty and natural resources will increasingly be the envy of the world, so let’s invest and lead in having the science, tools, programs and governance that assure a healthy future.

Helen Taylor lives in Lansing, and is state director for The Nature Conservancy in Michigan and a Great Lakes Commissioner. Her favorite brunch dish is yogurt, fruit and nuts, although she’s been known to drive 75 miles for bacon. The views and assertions of guest columnists do not necessarily reflect those of Bridge or The Center for Michigan.

This is a good thing, I am very much for investing in and protecting our natural resources and mitigating the impacts of the invasive species, if not get rid of them. Any money should not be used to look like they’re doing something, or try to sugar coat “make lemonade” out of invasive species. An example is recently a “State Record” invasive White Perch was caught in Muskegon Lake, catching “master angler” invasive species is not a good thing, having tons of invasive white perch is als not a good thing. Invasive white perch eat walleye and other fish eggs, eat baby REAL Perch and walleye babys among others. Invasive white perch, have overrun several lakes around the country, are threatening the perch and walleye population in lake Erie, nothing good about having invasive white perch. It is illegal to throw back invasive white perch alive in Indiana, they must be killed immmediately! All states should have this law. But the MDNR fishery Div. is giving out awards for catching record size invasive species. According to Jim Dexter MDNR fishery chief, MLIVE article ” This latest state record once again showcases the quality of the states fisheries” Google invasive white perch see for yourself, not a good thing. People have to realize, whether it’s invasive White Perch, Asian Carp or even alewives, invasive species dominant means that the natural resource or native fishery is just as gone. Zero tolerence for all invasive species, that’s supposed to be the plan, but it doesn’t apply to alewives. If it doesn’t apply to alewives then it appllies to none, making Lake Michigan and connecting waters invasive species friendly (low native predators) for all invasive species. Want Proof? You only have to look at the lake and they’re giving out awards for catching big ones! The top priority is to fill the lake back up with alewives until that changes there is no real plan to control invasive species, and there will fewer real perch and walleye!

AMEN !!!!!!! Let’s be a state and world leader and protect our Great Lakes that we are so very fortunate to have as a part of our beautiful state. Think and research before we act, should be our motto. I love my state and want to preserve and protect all its natural resources and beauty.

Joe

As an inland lakefront property owner, I pay more than $400 along with thousands of others in this state to counter the effects of farmers and agribusiness that use our inland lakes as septic tanks. Does Synder’s budget take into account the need to create filter strips around lakes and the inlets that supply them to prevent water contamination? Does his budget regulate what a farmer can use as fertilizers (i.e. industrial sludge) and pesticides that directly affect humans, wildlife and water quality?

Joe, I would be happy to talk with you to discuss programs, incentives and research underway to protect water quality and advance compatible agriculture practices–by many institutions, agencies and organizations both public and private, including the recently signed Farm Bill, one of the strongest for conservation in history. You raise important questions and concerns shared by many, and there is great deal of effort underway. Feel free to contact me at htaylor@tnc.org and we can set up a call.

Contributors

NatalieBurg

Natalie Burg has lived in six Michigan cities, but most recently put down stakes in Ann Arbor. Her book, “Swedish Lessons: A memoir of sects, love and indentured servitude” was released last year. She’s a little obsessed with trying new veggie- or fish-based twists on Eggs Benedict. The views and assertions of guest columnists do not necessarily reflect those of Bridge or The Center for Michigan.Click here to read all of Natalie‘s contributions.

ConorDugan

Conor Dugan is an attorney with Warner Norcross & Judd LLP in Grand Rapids, where he lives with his wife and four children. The views expressed here are his own, including his equivocation on a favorite brunch dish: A tie between smoked salmon and waffles. He blogs on the Michigan appellate courts at One Court of Justice. The views and assertions of guest columnists do not necessarily reflect those of Bridge or The Center for Michigan.Click here to read all of Conor‘s contributions.

KarenDumas

Karen Dumas is a PR/communications strategist and former chief of communications for the city of Detroit. A native Detroiter, she leads her own firm, Images & Ideas, Inc. She spends brunch hours with a cup of tea, planning the week ahead. The views and assertions of guest columnists do not necessarily reflect those of Bridge or The Center for Michigan.Click here to read all of Karen‘s contributions.

AaronFoley

Aaron Foley is a freelance writer in Detroit who regularly contributes to Jalopnik and whose work has appeared in Forbes, CNN.com and elsewhere. He's open to any variety of French toast for brunch – with a side of Andouille sausage.Click here to read all of Aaron‘s contributions.

LarryGabriel

Larry Gabriel is a freelance Detroit Metro Times contributor who was named Best Columnist by the Association for Alternative Newsmedia in 2012. He believes there is wisdom in blues lyrics and that the best brunch is poached salmon, scrambled eggs and avocado. The views and assertions of guest columnists do not necessarily reflect those of Bridge or The Center for Michigan.Click here to read all of Larry‘s contributions.

JimHeynen

Jim Heynen has been a journalist, ghostwriter and organizational consultant for his own firm, RTM. He lives east of Pentwater inside the Manistee National Forest, off the grid and beyond postal delivery, linked to civilization via satellite dish. You’ll find him at brunch with coffee and a stack of sourdough pancakes. The views and assertions of guest columnists do not necessarily reflect those of Bridge or The Center for Michigan.Click here to read all of Jim‘s contributions.

BrandonHubbard

Brandon Hubbard is a freelance reporter and former staff writer for the Petoskey News-Review. He served in the U.S. Army in Iraq from 2007-08, and will eat anything for brunch, as long as you are cooking. The views and assertions of guest columnists do not necessarily reflect those of Bridge or The Center for Michigan.Click here to read all of Brandon‘s contributions.

RichardMcLellan

Richard D. McLellan is a Lansing lawyer and longtime political operative in state-government circles. His favorite brunch dish is eggs Benedict at the Waldorf Astoria in New York City.Click here to read all of Richard‘s contributions.

RobinMiner-Swartz

Robin Miner-Swartz is the vice president of communications for the Capital Region Community Foundation. She’s a #lovelansing cheerleader and bleeding-green Spartan who never met a cup of Biggby coffee and a spinach and feta omelet she didn’t like. The views and assertions of guest columnists do not necessarily reflect those of Bridge or The Center for Michigan.Click here to read all of Robin‘s contributions.

JeffreyPolet

Jeffrey Polet is a writer and professor in Holland, and sometimes writes at Front Porch Republic. A West Michigan native, he is married with three children. The views and assertions of guest columnists do not necessarily reflect those of Bridge or The Center for Michigan.Click here to read all of Jeffrey‘s contributions.

RichRobinson

Rich Robinson is executive director of the Michigan Campaign Finance Network. The views and assertions of guest columnists do not necessarily reflect those of Bridge or The Center for Michigan.Click here to read all of Rich‘s contributions.

Gabriel S.Sanchez

Gabriel S. Sanchez is a researcher and writer in Grand Rapids. His latest book, "The Principles and Practice of International Aviation Law," was just published by Cambridge University Press. For brunch, Gabriel is partial to a tall glass of tap water with no more than two ice cubes.Click here to read all of Gabriel‘s contributions.

JohnSchneider

John Schneider wrote a daily column for the Lansing State Journal for 24 years, and is the author of “Waiting for Home: the Richard Prangley Story” and the play “Voice Mail.” His favorite part of brunch is the bloody Mary, which doesn’t affect his motivation to blog daily. The views and assertions of guest columnists do not necessarily reflect those of Bridge or The Center for Michigan.Click here to read all of John‘s contributions.

HelenTaylor

Helen Taylor lives in Lansing, and is state director for The Nature Conservancy in Michigan and a Great Lakes Commissioner. Her favorite brunch dish is yogurt, fruit and nuts, although she’s been known to drive 75 miles for bacon. The views and assertions of guest columnists do not necessarily reflect those of Bridge or The Center for Michigan.Click here to read all of Helen‘s contributions.

DavidWorthams

David Worthams is policy director for the Michigan Bankers Association, and was 2012-14 chairman of the Republican party of Kalamazoo County. He occasionally blogs and prefers French toast with three syrups for brunch.Click here to read all of David‘s contributions.